King James Version

What Does Proverbs 16:5 Mean?

Proverbs 16:5 in the King James Version says “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. un...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. unpunished: Heb. held innocent”

Proverbs 16:5 · KJV

Context

3

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Commit: Heb. Roll

4

The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5

Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. unpunished: Heb. held innocent

6

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

7

When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Read Proverbs 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse pronounces divine judgment on the proud: 'Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.' Pride of heart (gevah-lev) represents internal arrogance, not merely external display. God abhors it with the strong term 'abomination' (to'evah). The phrase 'though hand join in hand' likely means even if proud people form alliances or feel secure in numbers, they will not escape punishment. Some interpret it as a gesture of oath-taking or covenant-making—even formal agreements cannot protect the proud from God's judgment. This verse echoes 11:21 and establishes that pride will certainly face divine judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pride was the original sin—Satan's fall and humanity's fall both rooted in proud rebellion against God (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:17; Genesis 3:5). Throughout Israel's history, pride preceded judgment: Pharaoh's pride led to plagues, Nebuchadnezzar's pride to humiliation, Herod's pride to death by worms. God consistently opposes the proud while showing grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. What forms of pride lurk in your heart, hidden from others but visible to God who examines the heart?
  2. How does the certainty of divine judgment against pride motivate you toward genuine humility?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת1 of 9

“is an abomination”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

יְ֭הוָה2 of 9

“to the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כָּל3 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גְּבַהּ4 of 9

“Every one that is proud”

H1362

lofty (literally or figuratively)

לֵ֑ב5 of 9

“in heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לְ֝יָ֗ד6 of 9

“join in hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לְ֝יָ֗ד7 of 9

“join in hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לֹ֣א8 of 9
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִנָּקֶֽה׃9 of 9

“he shall not be unpunished”

H5352

to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 16:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 16:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 6:16-17Proverbs 11:21Proverbs 8:13Romans 2:8-9James 4:6Job 40:12

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Proverbs 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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